Closed the week, last Thurs. & Fri., with attending MD Assoc of Counties/MACO in OC; staffing the MD Fire Chiefs booth, as well as attending MBIA, ULI and GS Proctor/Mason Dixon evening receptions. An active overlap of my fire dept. and site engineering professions.Bowie Volunteer Fire

Was a great day for a break to participate at the PGC Volunteer Fire Rescue Assoc.’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament. I teamed with Terra Barnes and others in support of the Association’s mission. PGCVFRA PIO Bowie Volunteer Fire MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association

Participated in this year’s 9-11 remembrance StairClimb event held at National Harbor. Always encouraged by the varied support for the cause/benefits to NFFF. 10 floors, 11 times-equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Bowie Volunteer Fire MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association PGCVFRA PIO

This past week included the 103 Session of the PGCVFRA Convention. It yielded moments to pause and reflect on the year’s past topics. The focus of many is what the future holds for the Volunteers under our new County Fire Chief - T. Michaelides? 👍 so far. Bowie Volunteer Fire PGCVFRA PIO

Earlier this week, I attended the MBIA Home Builders Care Foundation (HBCF) annual recognition event - Elm Street Development this year. Great cause with tremendous building industry support. The venue, in Olney - the Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company, was a great host.

Attended the annual Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial gala in Annapolis, in support of never forgetting Maryland’s fallen. A highlight was the $10k donation by the Md Fire Service Personnel Qual. Board, complimented by the 24 tables of 10! Bowie Volunteer Fire MD FIRE CHIEFS PGCVFRA PIO

Was afforded the opportunity to attend the CFSI Board reception in DC, earlier this week, in support of the Fire Service’s voice on Capitol Hill. Of note, Exec. Dir. Bill Webb’s retirement, after 30 yrs of ensuring those on the Hill hear our concerns and needs. Bowie Volunteer Fire Maryland State Firefighters Association

Attended the celebration of life for Chief Thomas “Tommy” Stommel. A mentor, always ready with a smile, a handshake & a friendly greeting. His contributions …priceless. Glad to have been able to call him a friend & honor his legacy. Thank you to the Stommel Family for sharing.

Was able to attend the recent ULI Wavemaker recognition event in Baltimore. Always a great program and opportunity to catch up with others in the land development community. Congrats to Kim Clark and earning the Lifetime Achievement Award. ULI Baltimore

Chief Kiernan - Jimmy, was a steady voice within the Volunteer Fire service, having served in several capacities. A mentor & a friend to many in his Department, the County & State; always ready with a smile, a handshake & a friendly greeting, including his support. RIP friend.

Earlier this week, attended the City of Bowie Veterans Day program, with other members of the Bowie Volunteer Fire, presenting a wreath along with other City notables. Honoring those past and present … never forget. PGCVFRA PIO

Closed this week with attending this year’s IAFC VCOS 25th Symposium in Clearwater Beach Fl. The educational options, networking and supportive activities are truly “continuing education” - NFFF 5k walk and happy hour fund raisers Bowie Volunteer Fire PGCVFRA PIO MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association

Attended the initial MD Fire/EMS Legislative Workgroup meeting in Annapolis this past Friday. The 2026 MD Session opens tomorrow. Save the date, Feb. 10 at the Calvert House - MD Fire/EMS Svc Legislative Reception. Happy New Year. MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association Bowie Volunteer Fire PGCVFRA PIO

Congratulations to Bill Webb on 30 years, leading the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) in support of America’s Fire Service. Attend his retirement celebration last evening in DC. Maryland State Firefighters Association MD FIRE CHIEFS PGCVFRA PIO Bowie Volunteer Fire CFSI

Happy to note, LCSJ Svcs. contracted w/National Fire Academy to participate w/ a 5 person panel to develop a new fire service course entitled: Site Plan Review -? Great opportunity to bring site planning practices to plan reviewers, nationally, merging code w/design & efficiency.

Attended the recent Md Fire Chiefs Winter regular membership mtg. with updates offered by President Phillips, including a membership vote to support Chief Corey Smedley for his run for the 2nd VP of the Intl Association of Fire Chiefs. MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association PGCVFRA PIO Bowie Volunteer Fire

Attended the MD legislative reception in Annapolis, hosted by the Maryland State Firefighters Association, well attended. The communications with legislators needs to continue independently. The session runs through April 13, never to late. Visibility is key. MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association PGCVFRA PIO Bowie Volunteer Fire

Attended the recent PGCVFRA Annual Tribute Program to honor individuals long time contributions to the County’s Volunteer Fire/EMS/Support services. Congratulations to all those recognized. PGCVFRA PIO MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association Bowie Volunteer Fire

Attended this year’s CFSI annual dinner, w/many Fire & EMS colleagues from across the Country. Always encouraged to participate & support the mission. Congrats to the awardees. If you have not attended, consider attending next year. Bowie Volunteer Fire MD FIRE CHIEFS Maryland State Firefighters Association

Very appreciative to have been invited to participate w/a recent User Experience Roundtable for the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council. Happy to offer insights, feedback & suggestions to help validate MDP’s findings and recommendations to the Governor’s Office.